Designer chemistry 

The core to this technology is the fluorescent/receptor glucose indicator chemistry. This chemistry is structured to be selective for glucose and is immobilised into an optical cell that is micro machined into the fibre itself. The selectivity for glucose is imparted by the specifically configured diboronic acid receptor that is covalently linked to the fluorophore and forms part of the single molecule indicator chemistry. This fluorophore-receptor indicator chemistry is covered by US patent 6,387,672 B1 which is owned by GlySure. The indicator chemistry has been optimised by its inventor Dr Tony James and his team at the University of Bath to make it more suitable for this modality of sensing.

Reversible chemistry enables
long term monitoring

The blood contacting outer porous membrane of the sensor is bonded with an anti-thrombogenic coating to ensure haemocompatibility. The glucose diffuses from the blood through the outer membrane to the indicator chemistry, located in the optical cell in the fibre, where it is detected. The indicator chemistry is excited by pulsed light of a specific wavelength from LED's that are located in the monitor.

When the glucose contacts the diboronic acid receptor on the indicator chemistry there is an increase in fluorescence which is proportional to the glucose concentration and is detected back at the monitor. This reaction between the receptor and glucose is reversible - no glucose is consumed - which enables accurate and continuous long term monitoring.